Book 2-Alex Bishop in Follow That Mystery

Alex Bishop in Follow That Mystery

     The discussion ended there because a knock came at the door.  "It's got to be Fletch.  He probably smelled your home cooking from his house Mom," Alex told her, running to answer it.  His mother giggled and then set another dinner service at the table.  Fletch managed to put up a brave front during the meal chatting with Alex and his parents.

     But after dinner was over and he and Alex were back in his room, Fletch fell into the depressed state he'd been in since the day of the play.  Alex suddenly remembered he had something to tell him.  "Hey Fletch!"  Alex started.  And then he told Fletch all about Mr. Wells' breaks being cut which caused the accident where Mrs. Books was hurt.

     He also told him about the "Phantom" tie in, and how he and Mr. Wells, (Alex didn't mention that Lee and Glenna had gone with him to visit Mr. Wells,) thought that Mr. Clouse was the "Phantom."  After Alex had told him the story he expected at least a "Wow!" from Fletch, but all he got was, "That's good Alex."

     Alex was determined that Fletch was going to have a good time despite his mood.  But everything Alex suggested for them to do, Fletch said he was too tired or not interested in.  After Alex had gone through every activity he could think of, he just sat staring at his friend as Fletch laid his head back on the sofa cushions, as if he'd like nothing better than to go to sleep and forget everything.

     Alex grabbed up the unsolved crimes book that Glenna had given him for Christmas, which he hadn't read yet, and flipped through it's pages alternating between it and Fletch's face.  But after a few minutes Alex said aloud, "This is too much!  I'll be back," he told Fletch, but he wasn't sure his friend had heard him.  Alex thought he'd heard a low snore.

     Alex hurried to the living room where his father Max was sitting in his favorite easy chair reading a newspaper.  "Hey Dad,"  Alex started...., "Yeah,"  Max said looking up at him.  But then his father continued, "Did you see this front page article?  Mr. Wells gave the police a tip on who may have caused his and Mrs. Books' accident, and the horrible event at the Lerner.  It doesn't give the suspects name though."  Max seemed disappointed that the police hadn't named names, evident by the frown he was wearing.

     Alex thought it better that his father get the name of the bad guy when the paper gave it out.  "Yeah, that's great Dad."  Max looked up at his son again.  "I'm sorry, you had a question?"  "Yeah.  Could you drive Fletch and I over to the miniature golf course?" Alex asked.  "You can take the car,"  Max offered, searching his pocket for the keys.

    "No thanks Dad.  I know this is going to sound odd but if you drive, Fletch won't have the nerve to ask you to turn around and come back to the house."  Max grinned.  "You're a smart kid Alex."  "Thanks.  I'm just trying to help out a friend whether he likes it or not."  His father grinned again.

     "Sure Alex.  Go and get ready."  "Thanks Dad," Alex said with his lopsided grin, and hurried off to tell Fletch.  "He's going even if I have to drag him out to the car,"  Alex said aloud.  "Hey Janeen.  Did you see...."  Alex heard his father telling his mother about the article in the paper, as he opened his bedroom door.

     "Fletch!  We're going miniature golfing!"  Alex announced while changing his shirt.  "Oh Alex, I don't know.  I'm...."  "You're going!" Alex almost shouted.  Fletch looked shocked at his friends' tone of voice.  Then seeing the hurt look on Fletch's face Alex's voice softened.  "Look Fletch.  It does no good to sit around here moping.  You'll feel better when you get some fresh air and are doing something to keep busy."

     Fletch gave him a withering look but agreed to go.  "Good," Alex said triumphant.  "Come on!  It will be fun!"  Alex told him with as much excitement as he could muster.  Fletch changed his shirt too and followed Alex to the living room.  The boys waved goodbye to Janeen and Lyndell while Max put on his jacket.